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Marshal Yanda retires: 3 big things to think about

By Chris Schisler

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to block Sheldrick Redwine #29 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to block Sheldrick Redwine #29 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 22: Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to block Sheldrick Redwine #29 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 22: Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to block Sheldrick Redwine #29 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Marshal Yanda is retiring after a 13 year career. He was one of the best Baltimore Ravens of all-time and here are three things to think about today:

1. The offseason hasn’t changed drastically:

We will get to some reflection on Marshal Yanda’s career with the Baltimore Ravens, however first we have to look at where it leaves the team. The Ravens had a need along the offensive line whether or not Yanda retired. The Ravens knew that Yanda was either hanging up the cleats this year or giving it one more season. The Ravens have always been a long-term thinking franchise that sees the big picture. The Ravens already were thinking about the future of the right guard position when they selected Ben Powers in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Yanda made his decision before free agency began and with the NFL Draft right around the corner. It’s not like he made his decision in July and the whole offseason played out without the Ravens accounting for his retirement.

The offensive line is a thin position group at the moment. If Ben Powers is able to earn the starting job at right guard, the Ravens have their starting five set in place. From left to right it would be Ronnie Stanley, Bradley Bozeman, Matt Skura/ Pat Makari, Powers with Orlando Brown Jr. as the starting unit. The question is do the Ravens really want to come into the 2020 season banking on Powers?

Related Story. 3 reasons Marshal Yanda is a top 5 Raven of all time. light

The only thing that changes is that the Ravens may have more incentive to draft a guard in the first two rounds of the draft. If the Ravens want to go that route, they’ll want to address a couple of needs in free agency. The hierarchy of needs hasn’t really changed for Baltimore. They desperately need pass rush, better play at receiver and a better group of inside linebackers. Those problems aren’t going anywhere.

It’s also worth noting where in the draft the Ravens have had their success with offensive linemen. Yanda was a third round pick in 2007. Orlando Brown Jr. was also a third round pick. Skura and Mekari were undrafted. Bozeman turned out great for a sixth round pick. The Ravens are facing what is basically the same offseason they were last week; especially because they knew Yanda’s retirement was a possibility.

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